Chapter 1: Mental Health and Internalized Heterosexism Among LGB Individuals in The U.S. South

Using empirical data and 2 case studies, this chapter highlights the experiences of mental health and internalized heterosexism among LGB individuals in the U.S. South. A sample of Southern LGB respondents taken from the larger 2008–2014 General Social Survey were the focus of the current analyses. The findings indicate LGB individuals in the South report significantly more mental health distress as compared to their LGB counterparts in other regions. Additionally, Southern LGB individuals, despite identifying as LGB themselves, show significantly higher rates of disagreement on whether same-sex marriage and sexual behaviors are acceptable as compared to LGB respondents living in other regions of the United States. These findings are conceptualized in light of minority stress related to the unique cultural environment of the South, namely the role of conservative religion, living in rural areas, and a sociopolitical climate that is often explicitly anti-LGB. Two case studies are also provided to highlight the important narratives of several LGB individuals living in the South.